Identification & Background

Project designation: SUSTAiN – Intelligent system of adaptive and sustainable cultivation

Operation code: NORTE2030-FEDER-02149400

Acronym: SUSTAiN

Project description: The SUSTAiN project provides for the design of a system in a controlled environment, supplemented by an adequate light exposure component. It is planned to use a network of wireless sensors for data acquisition, such as light intensity, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved solids, among others. This information, processed by artificial intelligence algorithms, will be used to control the lamps and the irrigation system, with the aim of optimizing the production process, thus increasing its overall efficiency through the optimization of the use of resources such as water. Another aspect to be addressed will be the study of the impact of luminosity on qualitative and quantitative fruit growth, with the aim of determining the most appropriate percentage of exposure for each culture, considering all vegetative states. This allows for higher quality products while meeting consumers’ growing demands for sustainably produced food.

Date of approval: 03/09/2025
Start date: 01/11/2025
Completion date: 10/30/2028

Total eligible investment: €921,191.20
Financial support: €729,805.79

Promoters: JG Instalações Elétricas.
Co-Promoters: Infância Maria Lima Barreiro Rocha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Laboratório Colaborativo Montanhas de Investigação – Associação.

  • Promote sustainability in hydroponic farming: Reduce the consumption of water, energy and other natural resources.
  • Increase agricultural competitiveness: Make available technologies that reduce costs and enhance sustainable production.

  • Maximize efficiency and productivity: Optimize cultivation with IoT sensors, environmental data, and AI algorithms.

  • Boosting Agriculture 4.0: Allow real-time monitoring and control of crop parameters.

  • Foster technology transfer: Create scalable and replicable solutions for different cultures and regions.

  • Study the impact of light on growth: Define lighting strategies to improve plant development.

  • Strengthen agricultural research and innovation: Produce scientific knowledge and disseminate results in publications and conferences.

  • A1: Preliminary studies.
  • A2: Solution development.
  • A3: Monitoring and evaluation of the qualitative and quantitative impact of the solution.
  • A4: Integration, testing and validation.
  • A5: Dissemination and Dissemination of the Results.
  • A6: Knowledge management and technical coordination of the project.
  • Spectral compensation system supported by AI.
  • Cultivation seeds for semi-hydroponic production.
  • Optimized system of nutritional, chemical and bioactive properties of fruits.
  • Decision support platform and semi-aotonoma management for production in greenhouses.